Bulls centre Johann Sadie will miss at least three weeks of Super Rugby.

Sadie was substituted 14 minutes into the Bulls’ opening match against the Sharks at Loftus and appeared to be in some distress. It has been established that the 21-year-old has injured the AC joint in his left shoulder.

‘He will be out for at least three weeks,’ Bulls doctor Org Strauss told keo.co.za.

The blow is a significant one for the Bulls, who are thin on midfield cover after losing Stephan Dippenaar and Stefan Watermeyer to Sevens and the Ospreys respectively. Jaco Pretorius was forced to retire due to persistent injuries.

However, there was good news on Wynand Olivier, who has been recovering from a hand injury. The No 12 will be available for selection for the Cheetahs match this weekend.